<p> The purpose of this thesis was to examine the factors associated with psychological distress among older Vietnamese adults. Utilizing information from secondary data called the California Health Interview Surveys (CHIS), a quantitative research method was completed for this study. The study explored levels of psychological distress with several factors including demographic characteristics, language use and proficiencies of patients, patients' understanding of rights to request for an interpreter during doctor visits, number of visits to doctors' offices, language used by doctors during consultation (English, Vietnamese, or other), and lastly, quality of interaction with doctors. </p><p> The result of this study indicated significant relationships among several factors and the level of psychological distress among older Vietnamese adults. These factors, include: demographics, patients' understanding of rights to an interpreter, number of doctor visits, language used by doctors during consultation, and doctor-patient communication.</p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to locate a potential funding source and write a grant to provide home-based mental health services to Latino older adults for Beach Cities Health District, in Redondo Beach, California, the host agency for this program. An extensive literature review was conducted to investigate the best way to provide non-traditional therapeutic services to older adults. The Archstone Foundation was chosen as the most appropriate funding source. </p><p> The population of Latino older adults is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Many in this population suffer from depression but fail to access services due to language barriers and other obstacles. This program was developed to improve knowledge of depression and improve coping skills, as well as reduce symptoms of depression. </p><p> If funded, this program could provide social workers an opportunity to bridge the gap the need for and the receipt of mental health services among older Latinos. Submission of the grant was not a requirement for the thesis project.</p>

<p> This study was designed to explore how the experience of past parental alienation and current estrangement from adult child(ren) affected aging alienated parents particularly in the domains of depression and life satisfaction. This study also explored the link between past parental alienation and late-life estrangement from adult child(ren). The sample of 65 participants responded to an online survey after responding to a recruitment flyer posted on Craig's List. </p><p> The results showed mild to moderate levels of depression and moderate dissatisfaction with life among the study participants. Higher levels of parental alienation were significantly associated with higher levels of depression and greater dissatisfaction with life. Participants also overwhelmingly reported that past parental alienation had contributed to their current estrangement from their adult child(ren). </p><p> Further research is needed on the impact of parental alienation on the well-being of aging parents.</p>